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{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
|official_name = Chatham, Massachusetts
|official_name = Chatham, Massachusetts
|nickname = Chatham, Massachusetts. A quaint drinking village with a fishing problem.
|nickname =
|motto =
|motto =
|image_skyline = Chatham,_MA_clock_Apr_2010.jpg
|image_skyline = Chatham,_MA_clock_Apr_2010.jpg
Line 35: Line 35:
|area_magnitude =
|area_magnitude =
|area_total_km2 = 63.2
|area_total_km2 = 63.2
|area_total_sq_mi = 24.4
|area_total_sq_mi =
|area_land_km2 = 42.0
|area_land_km2 = 41.8
|area_land_sq_mi = 16.2
|area_land_sq_mi =
|area_water_km2 = 21.2
|area_water_km2 = 21.4
|area_water_sq_mi = 8.2
|area_water_sq_mi =
|population_as_of = 2000
|population_as_of = 2010
|settlement_type = [[New England town|Town]]
|settlement_type = [[New England town|Town]]
|population_total = 6625
|population_total = 6125
|population_density_km2 = 157.7
|population_density_km2 = 146.6
|population_density_sq_mi = 408.4
|population_density_sq_mi =
|elevation_m = 14
|elevation_m = 14
|elevation_ft = 46
|elevation_ft = 46
Line 53: Line 53:
|latd = 41 |latm = 40 |lats = 55 |latNS = N
|latd = 41 |latm = 40 |lats = 55 |latNS = N
|longd = 69 |longm = 57 |longs = 37 |longEW = W
|longd = 69 |longm = 57 |longs = 37 |longEW = W
|website = [http://www.chatham-ma.gov/ www.chatham-ma.gov]
|website = {{URL|www.chatham-ma.gov}}
|postal_code_type = ZIP code
|postal_code_type = ZIP code
|postal_code = 02633
|postal_code = 02633
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|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0618250
|blank1_info = 0618250
|footnotes =}}
|footnotes =
}}
'''Chatham''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Barnstable County, Massachusetts|Barnstable County]], [[Massachusetts]], [[United States]], Barnstable County being coextensive with [[Cape Cod]]. First settled by the English in 1664, the township was originally called '''Monomoit''' based on the indigenous population's term for the region.<ref name="chatam-hist">{{cite book |last=Smith |first=William C. |title=A history of Chatham, Massachusetts ; formerly the Constablewick or Village of Monomoit ; with maps and illustrations and numerous genealogical notes |url=http://archive.org/details/historyofchatham00smit|accessdate=2013-10-13|year=1909 |publisher=F.B. & F.P. Goss |location=Hyannis, MA|ol=14012476M }}</ref> The population was 6,625 at the 2000 census. Chatham is home to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, located on [[Monomoy Island|Monomoy]], and to Monomoy Theatre.
'''Chatham''' is a [[New England town|town]] in [[Barnstable County, Massachusetts|Barnstable County]], [[Massachusetts]], [[United States]], Barnstable County being coextensive with [[Cape Cod]]. First settled by the English in 1664, the township was originally called '''Monomoit''' based on the indigenous population's term for the region.<ref name="chatam-hist">{{cite book |last=Smith |first=William C. |title=A history of Chatham, Massachusetts; formerly the Constablewick or Village of Monomoit; with maps and illustrations and numerous genealogical notes |url=http://archive.org/details/historyofchatham00smit|accessdate=2013-10-13|year=1909 |publisher=F.B. & F.P. Goss |location=Hyannis, MA|ol=14012476M }}</ref> The population was 6,125 at the 2010 census.<ref name="Census 2010">{{Cite web| url=http://factfinder2.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/G001/0600000US2500112995| title=Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Chatham town, Barnstable County, Massachusetts| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder| accessdate=December 4, 2013}}</ref> Chatham is home to the [[Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge]], located on [[Monomoy Island]], and to Monomoy Theatre.


For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Chatham, please see the articles on [[Chatham (CDP), Massachusetts|Chatham (CDP)]] and [[West Chatham, Massachusetts|West Chatham]].
For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Chatham, please see the articles on [[Chatham (CDP), Massachusetts|Chatham (CDP)]] and [[West Chatham, Massachusetts|West Chatham]].


==History==
==History==
Native American tribes who lived in the area before European colonization include the [[Nauset]], specifically the Manomoy or Monomoy people. The expansive lands over which they roamed was known to them as Manamoyik or Monomoit. Explorer [[Samuel de Champlain]] landed here in October of 1606 at a place he christened "Port Fortuné", where he contacted (and skirmished with) the Nauset. Twelve years later another group of Europeans gave it the name "Sutcliffe's Inlets".<ref name="chatam-hist"/> Neither name stuck, and the location was not permanently occupied by Europeans until English settlers reached Monomoit in 1664.<ref name="chatam-hist"/> The town was incorporated on 11 June 1712,<ref name="chatam-hist"/> at which point it was renamed after [[Chatham, Kent]], [[England]]. Its territory expanded with the annexation of Strong Island and its vicinity on 7 February 1797.<ref name="chatam-hist"/>
Native American tribes who lived in the area before European colonization included the [[Nauset]], specifically the Manomoy or Monomoy people. The expansive lands over which they roamed were known to them as Manamoyik or Monomoit. Explorer [[Samuel de Champlain]] landed here in October of 1606 at a place he christened "Port Fortuné", where he contacted (and skirmished with) the Nauset. Twelve years later another group of Europeans gave it the name "Sutcliffe's Inlets".<ref name="chatam-hist"/> Neither name stuck, and the location was not permanently occupied by Europeans until English settlers reached Monomoit in 1664.<ref name="chatam-hist"/> The town was incorporated on 11 June 1712,<ref name="chatam-hist"/> at which point it was renamed after [[Chatham, Kent]], [[England]]. Its territory expanded with the annexation of Strong Island and its vicinity on 7 February 1797.<ref name="chatam-hist"/>


Located at the "elbow" of Cape Cod, the community became a [[shipping]], [[fishing]], and [[whaling]] center. Chatham's early prosperity would leave it with a considerable number of 18th century buildings, whose charm helped it develop into a popular summer resort.
Located at the "elbow" of Cape Cod, the community became a [[shipping]], [[fishing]], and [[whaling]] center. Chatham's early prosperity would leave it with a considerable number of 18th century buildings, whose charm helped it develop into a popular summer resort.


Chatham is home to the [[Chatham Lighthouse]], which was established by President [[Thomas Jefferson]] in 1808 to protect the ships circling the Cape. Originally consisting of two lights, the pair were moved back and rebuilt in 1877. The second was moved to Eastham to become the [[Nauset Light]] in 1923, after both were upgraded to rotating lights. Today, the keeper's house is home to a [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] station which tends the light.
Chatham is home to the [[Chatham Lighthouse]], which was established by President [[Thomas Jefferson]] in 1808 to protect the ships circling the Cape. Originally consisting of two lights, the pair were moved back and rebuilt in 1877. The second was moved to [[Eastham, Massachusetts|Eastham]] to become the [[Nauset Light]] in 1923, after both were upgraded to rotating lights. Today, the keeper's house is home to a [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] station which tends the light.


Although [[urban sprawl]] has started to invade the country and even parts of [[Cape Cod]], the town of Chatham still boasts a quaint and walkable [[Main Street]]. Main Street is home to numerous family-owned and -operated shops, restaurants, and businesses. The main shopping area features pedestrian-friendly crosswalks, on-street parallel parking, and some parking lots that are off Main Street. During the summer, concerts are held in a [[gazebo]] on Main Street, and not far from the shops is where the [[Chatham Anglers]] baseball team plays, as part of the [[Cape Cod Baseball League]] on the peninsula for collegiate-age players.
Although [[urban sprawl]] has invaded the Cape, the town of Chatham still boasts a quaint and walkable [[Main Street]], home to numerous family-owned and -operated shops, restaurants, and businesses. The main shopping area features pedestrian-friendly [[crosswalk]]s, on-street [[parallel parking]], and some parking lots that are off Main Street. During the summer, concerts are held in a [[gazebo]] on Main Street, and not far from the shops is where the [[Chatham Anglers]] baseball team plays, as part of the [[Cape Cod Baseball League]] on the peninsula for collegiate-age players.


Chatham, like much of Cape Cod, is suffering from an exodus of young people and young families due to high housing prices and a lack of social and professional opportunities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wgbh.org/wcai/grown.cfm |title=WCAI &#124; How We've Grown |publisher=Wgbh.org |date= |accessdate=2013-01-04}}</ref> The majority of homes in Chatham sit empty in the winter months until the summer when second home owners come to use their summer/vacation homes or they are used as weekly rentals for tourists.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wgbh.org/wcai/tcc.cfm |title=WCAI &#124; Two Cape Cods: Hidden Poverty on the Cape and Islands |publisher=Wgbh.org |date= |accessdate=2013-01-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/travel/escapes/06Capecod.html?pagewanted=all | work=The New York Times | first=Laura M. | last=Holson | title=In Winter, Cape Cod Vacations are Quiet and Peaceful | date=March 5, 2009}}</ref> As of February 22, 2012, the average listing price for a home in Chatham is $1.3 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Chatham-Massachusetts/ |title=Chatham, MA real estate overview |publisher=Trulia.com |date= |accessdate=2013-01-04}}</ref>
Chatham, like much of Cape Cod, is suffering from an exodus of young people and young families due to high housing prices and a lack of social and professional opportunities.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.wgbh.org/wcai/grown.cfm |title=WCAI &#124; How We've Grown |publisher=Wgbh.org |date= |accessdate=2013-01-04}}</ref> The majority of homes in Chatham sit empty in the winter months until the summer when second-home owners come to use their summer/vacation homes, or they are used as weekly rentals for tourists.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.wgbh.org/wcai/tcc.cfm |title=WCAI &#124; Two Cape Cods: Hidden Poverty on the Cape and Islands |publisher=Wgbh.org |date= |accessdate=2013-01-04}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/03/06/travel/escapes/06Capecod.html?pagewanted=all | work=The New York Times | first=Laura M. | last=Holson | title=In Winter, Cape Cod Vacations are Quiet and Peaceful | date=March 5, 2009}}</ref> As of February 22, 2012, the average listing price for a home in Chatham was $1.3 million.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.trulia.com/real_estate/Chatham-Massachusetts/ |title=Chatham, MA real estate overview |publisher=Trulia.com |date= |accessdate=2013-01-04}}</ref>


In summer, Chatham grows to a population of an estimated 30,000. Facilities are over crowded and there continues to be limited parking in the Main Street Business District. Beaches are also affected by this increase of population. Limited parking exists in established parking areas, and the towns most popular beach, Lighthouse Beach, has only off the street parking which sometimes involves a long walk to her sandy shores.
In summer, Chatham grows to a population of an estimated 30,000.{{Citation needed|date=December 2013}} Facilities are overcrowded, and there continues to be limited parking in the Main Street Business District. Beaches are affected by this increase of population. Limited parking exists in established parking areas, and the town's most popular beach, Lighthouse Beach, has only off the street parking, which sometimes involves a long walk to her sandy shores.


===Historical sites and museums===
===Historical sites and museums===
* [http://www.chathamhistoricalsociety.org/main5.htm Atwood House] (1752)
* [http://www.chathamhistoricalsociety.org/main5.htm Atwood House] (1752)
⚫
* Chatham Railroad Museum (1887)
⚫
* Old Grist Mill (1797)
* Caleb Nickerson House (1772)
* Caleb Nickerson House (1772)
⚫
* Chatham Railroad Museum (1887)
* Josiah Mayo House (c. 1820)
* Josiah Mayo House (c. 1820)
⚫
* Old Grist Mill (1797)


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Earl in Chatham.JPG|thumb|left|Chatham Lighthouse during [[Hurricane Earl (2010)|Hurricane Earl]] on September 3rd, 2010.]]
[[File:Earl in Chatham.JPG|thumb|left|Chatham Lighthouse during [[Hurricane Earl (2010)|Hurricane Earl]] on September 3, 2010]]
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of 24.4&nbsp;square miles (63.2&nbsp;km²), of which, 16.2&nbsp;square miles (42.0&nbsp;km²) of it is land and 8.2&nbsp;square miles (21.2&nbsp;km²) of it (33.55%) is water. The town's villages include Chatham proper, Chatham Port, North Chatham, South Chatham, and West Chatham. Chatham is bordered by [[Harwich, Massachusetts|Harwich]] to the west, Pleasant Bay and Harwich to the north, the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the east, and [[Nantucket Sound]] to the south. The town is 56 kilometers (35&nbsp;mi) south of [[Provincetown, Massachusetts|Provincetown]] and east of the [[Sagamore Bridge]], 32 kilometers (20&nbsp;mi) east of [[Barnstable, Massachusetts|Barnstable]], and 137 kilometers (85&nbsp;mi) southeast of [[Boston, Massachusetts|Boston]].
The town occupies the southeast corner (the "elbow") of Cape Cod. The town's villages include [[Chatham (CDP), Massachusetts|Chatham proper]], Chatham Port, North Chatham, [[West Chatham, Massachusetts|West Chatham]], and South Chatham (west of West Chatham). Chatham is bordered by [[Harwich, Massachusetts|Harwich]] to the west, Pleasant Bay and [[Orleans, Massachusetts|Orleans]] to the north, the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the east, and [[Nantucket Sound]] to the south. The town is {{convert|35|mi}} south of [[Provincetown, Massachusetts|Provincetown]] and east of the [[Sagamore Bridge]], {{convert|20|mi}} east of [[Barnstable, Massachusetts|Barnstable]], and {{convert|85|mi}} southeast of [[Boston]].

According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the town has a total area of {{convert|63.2|sqkm|disp=flip}}, of which {{convert|41.8|sqkm|disp=flip}} is land and {{convert|21.4|sqkm|disp=flip}}, or 33.88%, is water.<ref name="Census 2010"/>


The mainland portion of the town is typical of Cape Cod, with several ponds, brooks, rivers, harbors, and inlets around the town. The town includes two narrow strips of land, the northern of which is the southern part of the [[Cape Cod National Seashore]], which serve as a barrier between the Atlantic and the mainland. There are several islands, including Strong Island, Tern Island (which is a sanctuary), Morris Island, Stage Island, and [[Monomoy Island]] (a 7-1/4 mile long island south of the corner of the town which is home to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge).
The mainland portion of the town is typical of Cape Cod, with several ponds, brooks, rivers, harbors, and inlets around the town. The town includes two narrow strips of land which serve as a barrier between the Atlantic and the mainland; the northern of these is the southern part of the [[Cape Cod National Seashore]]. There are several islands, including Strong Island, Tern Island (which is a sanctuary), Morris Island, Stage Island, and [[Monomoy Island]], a {{convert|7.25|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}} island south of the corner of the town which is home to the [[Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge]].


==Transportation==
==Transportation==
All five roads that exit Chatham cross into Harwich. The two state routes that pass through the town are [[Massachusetts Route 28|Route 28]] and the southern end of [[Route 137 (Massachusetts)|Route 137]]. Route 28 circles through the center of town before exiting and heading toward [[Route 6A (Massachusetts)|Route 6A]], joining that route until the roads end at the Orleans Rotary.
All five roads that exit Chatham cross into Harwich. The two state routes that pass through the town are [[Massachusetts Route 28|Route 28]] and the southern end of [[Massachusetts Route 137|Route 137]]. Route 28 circles through the center of town before exiting and heading north toward [[Massachusetts Route 6A|Route 6A]], joining that route until the roads end at the Orleans Rotary.


Rail no longer extends to the town; the route is now a portion of one of the several bicycle paths that pass through the town.
[[Rail transport|Rail service]] no longer extends to the town; the route is now a portion of one of the several bicycle paths that pass through the town.


The town is the home to the [[Chatham Municipal Airport]], which provides local service to other small airports on the Cape and Islands. The nearest national and international air service can be reached at [[Logan International Airport]] in Boston.
The town is the home to the [[Chatham Municipal Airport]], which provides local service to other small airports on the Cape and islands. The nearest national and international air service can be reached at [[Logan International Airport]] in Boston.


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
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The town is patrolled by the Second (Yarmouth) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State and the Chatham Police Department. Chatham also provides Chatham Fire Rescue, a 24 hour fully staffed fire department.<ref>[http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Law+Enforcement+%26+Criminal+Justice&L2=Law+Enforcement&L3=State+Police+Troops&L4=Troop+D&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=msp_divisions_field_services_troops_troop_d_msp_field_troop_d_station_d2&csid=Eeops Station D-2, SP Yarmouth]</ref>
The town is patrolled by the Second (Yarmouth) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State and the Chatham Police Department. Chatham also provides Chatham Fire Rescue, a 24 hour fully staffed fire department.<ref>[http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eopsterminal&L=5&L0=Home&L1=Law+Enforcement+%26+Criminal+Justice&L2=Law+Enforcement&L3=State+Police+Troops&L4=Troop+D&sid=Eeops&b=terminalcontent&f=msp_divisions_field_services_troops_troop_d_msp_field_troop_d_station_d2&csid=Eeops Station D-2, SP Yarmouth]</ref>


On the national level, Chatham is a part of [[Massachusetts's 10th congressional district]] and is represented by [[William R. Keating]]. The state's senior (Class I) member of the [[United States Senate]], re-elected in 2008, is [[John Kerry]]. The junior (Class II) Senator is [[Elizabeth Warren]].
On the national level, Chatham is a part of [[Massachusetts's 10th congressional district]] and is represented by [[William R. Keating]]. The state's senior (Class II) member of the [[United States Senate]], elected in 2012, is [[Elizabeth Warren]]. The junior (Class I) senator is [[Ed Markey]].


Chatham is governed by the [[open town meeting]] form of government, administered by an elected [[Board of Selectmen]] and an appointed Town Manager. The town operates its own [[police]] department, which is headquartered in West Chatham, near the Chatham Airport. The main fire department is located in the downtown area, and there is also a branch firehouse in South Chatham. The town has four post offices, all located at various points along Route 28. The town is home to the Eldredge Public Library, named for its benefactor and designed by a student of [[H. H. Richardson]]. The town operates several piers, beaches, boat landings and recreation areas throughout town. The nearest hospital is Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.
Chatham is governed by the [[open town meeting]] form of government, administered by an elected [[Board of Selectmen]] and an appointed Town Manager. The town operates its own [[police]] department, which is headquartered in West Chatham, near the Chatham Airport. The main fire department is located in the downtown area, and there is also a branch firehouse in South Chatham. The town has four post offices, all located at various points along Route 28. The town is home to the Eldredge Public Library, named for its benefactor and designed by a student of [[H. H. Richardson]]. The town operates several piers, beaches, boat landings and recreation areas throughout town. The nearest hospital is [[Cape Cod Hospital]] in [[Hyannis, Massachusetts|Hyannis]].


==Education==
==Education==
Until 2013, Chatham operated its own school system for the town's 700 students. The Chatham Elementary School served students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, the Chatham Middle School served students from fifth through eighth grade, and [[Chatham High School (Massachusetts)|Chatham High School]] served grades nine through twelve. Chatham's athletics teams were known as the Blue Devils, and wore blue and white. In December 2010, Chatham and the neighboring town of Harwich voted to regionalize their school systems into the Monomoy Regional school system. The Monomoy teams are known as the Sharks and their colors are navy blue and sliver. In March 2013, construction began in Harwich on a new high school to serve the region, expected to open in 2014. High school students may attend [[Cape Cod Regional Technical High School|Cape Cod Regional Technical School]] in Harwich free of charge. Other private schools are located in nearby Brewster and Harwich.
Until 2013, Chatham operated its own school system for the town's 700 students. The Chatham Elementary School served students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, the Chatham Middle School served students from fifth through eighth grade, and [[Chatham High School (Massachusetts)|Chatham High School]] served grades nine through twelve. Chatham's athletics teams were known as the Blue Devils, and wore blue and white. In December 2010, Chatham and the neighboring town of Harwich voted to regionalize their school systems into the Monomoy Regional school system. The Monomoy teams are known as the Sharks and their colors are navy blue and sliver. In March 2013, construction began in Harwich on a new high school to serve the region, expected to open in 2014. High school students may attend [[Cape Cod Regional Technical High School|Cape Cod Regional Technical School]] in Harwich free of charge. Other private schools are located in nearby [[Brewster, Massachusetts|Brewster]] and Harwich.


==Notable residents==
==Notable residents==
* [[Zered Bassett]], pro skateboarder, grew up in Chatham
* [[Zered Bassett]], pro skateboarder, grew up in Chatham
* [[Shirley Booth]], actress
* [[Shirley Booth]], actress
* [[Bernard Cornwell]], best selling author
* [[Harry Connick, Jr.]], actor and singer
* [[Bernard Cornwell]], best-selling author
* [[Franklin Cover]], late actor
* [[Franklin Cover]], late actor
* [[David Drumm]] former CEO of Anglo Irish Bank<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Beth Healy|author2=Casey Ross|date=April 12, 2010|title=Irish bank's ex-CEO sits out crisis on Cape|journal=The Boston Globe|location=Boston|volume=277|issue=102}}</ref>
* [[David Drumm]], former CEO of Anglo Irish Bank<ref>{{cite journal|author1=Beth Healy|author2=Casey Ross|date=April 12, 2010|title=Irish bank's ex-CEO sits out crisis on Cape|journal=The Boston Globe|location=Boston|volume=277|issue=102}}</ref>
* [[Todd Eldredge]], champion figure skater
* [[Todd Eldredge]], champion figure skater
* [[Lisa Genova]], best selling Author
* [[Lisa Genova]], best-selling author
* [[Bobby Hackett]], musician
* [[Bobby Hackett]], musician
* [[Julie Harris]], actress
* [[Julie Harris]], actress
Line 159: Line 163:
* [[Joseph C. Lincoln]], author of ''Cape Cod Stories''
* [[Joseph C. Lincoln]], author of ''Cape Cod Stories''
* [[Joseph Lord]], Puritan pastor
* [[Joseph Lord]], Puritan pastor
* [[Sandra Day O'Connor]], Supreme Court Justice; has a residence in Chatham
* [[Sandra Day O'Connor]], Supreme Court justice; has a residence in Chatham
* [[Sara Pennypacker]], children's book author
* [[Sara Pennypacker]], children's book author
* [[Christopher Seufert]], film director/photographer
* [[Christopher Seufert]], film director/photographer
* [[Archelaus Smith]], Nova Scotia pioneer
* [[Archelaus Smith]], Nova Scotia pioneer
* [[Bob Staake]], cartoonist & illustrator
* [[Bob Staake]], cartoonist & illustrator
* [[Tisquantum]] died in Chatham, MA and is [[burial|buried]] in an unmarked [[grave (burial)|grave]] on Burial Hill, overlooking Ryder's Cove.
* Tisquantum ([[Squanto]]), died in Chatham and is buried in an unmarked [[grave]] on Burial Hill, overlooking Ryder's Cove
*[[Harry Connick Jr.]], actor and singer


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
⚫
Image:Atwood House, Chatham, MA.jpg|The Atwood House
⚫
Image:Chatham Lights, Chatham, MA.jpg|Chatham Lights
⚫
Image:Lighthouse_chatham.jpg|Chatham Light
⚫
Image:Old Linden Tree - Chatham, MA - April 2012.jpg|Old Linden Tree (April 2012)
⚫
Image:Seals in Chatham, MA harbor.jpg|Seals in Chatham Harbor
⚫
Image:Cross Trees, Chatham, MA.jpg|Cross Trees
Image:Tiger_lilies_small.jpg|
Image:Tiger_lilies_small.jpg|
⚫
Image:Lighthouse_chatham.jpg|
Image:Chatham_marsh.jpg|
Image:Chatham_marsh.jpg|
⚫
Image:Atwood House, Chatham, MA.jpg|
Image:Windmill, Chatham, MA.jpg|
Image:Windmill, Chatham, MA.jpg|
⚫
Image:Cross Trees, Chatham, MA.jpg|
⚫
Image:Chatham Lights, Chatham, MA.jpg|
⚫
Image:Old Linden Tree - Chatham, MA - April 2012.jpg|Old Linden Tree (April 2012)
⚫
Image:Seals in Chatham, MA harbor.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>


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{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Chatham}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline|Chatham}}
* [http://www.chatham-ma.gov/ Town of Chatham Website]
* [http://www.chatham-ma.gov/ Town of Chatham official website]
* [http://www.capecodchronicle.com/ The Cape Cod Chronicle]
* [http://www.capecodchronicle.com/ ''The Cape Cod Chronicle'']
* [http://www.chathaminfo.com/ Chatham Chamber of Commerce tourist information]
* [http://www.chathaminfo.com/ Chatham Chamber of Commerce]
* [http://www.MyChatham.com/ Chatham Online Guide.]
* [http://www.MyChatham.com/ Chatham Online Guide]
* [http://homepage.mac.com/mooncusser/chathamarchive/PhotoAlbum222.html Archive of Historical and Contemporary Chatham Photos]
* [http://homepage.mac.com/mooncusser/chathamarchive/PhotoAlbum222.html Archive of Historical and Contemporary Chatham Photos]
* [http://www.eldredgelibrary.org/ Eldredge Public Library]
* [http://www.eldredgelibrary.org/ Eldredge Public Library]
* [http://www.ChathamCulturalCouncil.org Chatham Cultural Council]
* [http://www.ChathamMap.com Interactive Chatham Street Map]
* [http://www.ChathamMap.com Interactive Chatham Street Map]
* [http://monomoy.fws.gov/ Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge]
* [http://monomoy.fws.gov/ Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge]
* [http://www.chatham.k12.ma.us/ Chatham Public Schools]
* [http://www.chatham.k12.ma.us/ Monomoy Regional School District]
* [http://www.chathamas.com/ Chatham A's]
* [http://www.chathamas.com/ Chatham Anglers]


{{Barnstable County, Massachusetts}}
{{Barnstable County, Massachusetts}}

Revision as of 14:24, 4 December 2013

Chatham, Massachusetts
Town
Central Chatham, April 2010
Central Chatham, April 2010
Official seal of Chatham, Massachusetts
Seal
Location in Barnstable County in Massachusetts
Location in Barnstable County in Massachusetts
CountryUnited States
StateMassachusetts
CountyBarnstable
Settled1665
Incorporated1712
Government
 • TypeOpen town meeting
Area
 • Total24.4 sq mi (63.2 km2)
 • Land16.1 sq mi (41.8 km2)
 • Water8.3 sq mi (21.4 km2)
Elevation
46 ft (14 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total6,125
 • Density380/sq mi (146.6/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (Eastern)
ZIP code
02633
Area code508 / 774
FIPS code25-12995
GNIS feature ID0618250
Websitewww.chatham-ma.gov

Chatham is a town in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, United States, Barnstable County being coextensive with Cape Cod. First settled by the English in 1664, the township was originally called Monomoit based on the indigenous population's term for the region.[1] The population was 6,125 at the 2010 census.[2] Chatham is home to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge, located on Monomoy Island, and to Monomoy Theatre.

For geographic and demographic information on specific parts of the town of Chatham, please see the articles on Chatham (CDP) and West Chatham.

History

Native American tribes who lived in the area before European colonization included the Nauset, specifically the Manomoy or Monomoy people. The expansive lands over which they roamed were known to them as Manamoyik or Monomoit. Explorer Samuel de Champlain landed here in October of 1606 at a place he christened "Port Fortuné", where he contacted (and skirmished with) the Nauset. Twelve years later another group of Europeans gave it the name "Sutcliffe's Inlets".[1] Neither name stuck, and the location was not permanently occupied by Europeans until English settlers reached Monomoit in 1664.[1] The town was incorporated on 11 June 1712,[1] at which point it was renamed after Chatham, Kent, England. Its territory expanded with the annexation of Strong Island and its vicinity on 7 February 1797.[1]

Located at the "elbow" of Cape Cod, the community became a shipping, fishing, and whaling center. Chatham's early prosperity would leave it with a considerable number of 18th century buildings, whose charm helped it develop into a popular summer resort.

Chatham is home to the Chatham Lighthouse, which was established by President Thomas Jefferson in 1808 to protect the ships circling the Cape. Originally consisting of two lights, the pair were moved back and rebuilt in 1877. The second was moved to Eastham to become the Nauset Light in 1923, after both were upgraded to rotating lights. Today, the keeper's house is home to a Coast Guard station which tends the light.

Although urban sprawl has invaded the Cape, the town of Chatham still boasts a quaint and walkable Main Street, home to numerous family-owned and -operated shops, restaurants, and businesses. The main shopping area features pedestrian-friendly crosswalks, on-street parallel parking, and some parking lots that are off Main Street. During the summer, concerts are held in a gazebo on Main Street, and not far from the shops is where the Chatham Anglers baseball team plays, as part of the Cape Cod Baseball League on the peninsula for collegiate-age players.

Chatham, like much of Cape Cod, is suffering from an exodus of young people and young families due to high housing prices and a lack of social and professional opportunities.[3] The majority of homes in Chatham sit empty in the winter months until the summer when second-home owners come to use their summer/vacation homes, or they are used as weekly rentals for tourists.[4][5] As of February 22, 2012, the average listing price for a home in Chatham was $1.3 million.[6]

In summer, Chatham grows to a population of an estimated 30,000.[citation needed] Facilities are overcrowded, and there continues to be limited parking in the Main Street Business District. Beaches are affected by this increase of population. Limited parking exists in established parking areas, and the town's most popular beach, Lighthouse Beach, has only off the street parking, which sometimes involves a long walk to her sandy shores.

Historical sites and museums

  • Atwood House (1752)
  • Caleb Nickerson House (1772)
  • Chatham Railroad Museum (1887)
  • Josiah Mayo House (c. 1820)
  • Old Grist Mill (1797)

Geography

Chatham Lighthouse during Hurricane Earl on September 3, 2010

The town occupies the southeast corner (the "elbow") of Cape Cod. The town's villages include Chatham proper, Chatham Port, North Chatham, West Chatham, and South Chatham (west of West Chatham). Chatham is bordered by Harwich to the west, Pleasant Bay and Orleans to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Nantucket Sound to the south. The town is 35 miles (56 km) south of Provincetown and east of the Sagamore Bridge, 20 miles (32 km) east of Barnstable, and 85 miles (137 km) southeast of Boston.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 24.4 square miles (63.2 km2), of which 16.1 square miles (41.8 km2) is land and 8.3 square miles (21.4 km2), or 33.88%, is water.[2]

The mainland portion of the town is typical of Cape Cod, with several ponds, brooks, rivers, harbors, and inlets around the town. The town includes two narrow strips of land which serve as a barrier between the Atlantic and the mainland; the northern of these is the southern part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. There are several islands, including Strong Island, Tern Island (which is a sanctuary), Morris Island, Stage Island, and Monomoy Island, a 7.25-mile-long (11.67 km) island south of the corner of the town which is home to the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge.

Transportation

All five roads that exit Chatham cross into Harwich. The two state routes that pass through the town are Route 28 and the southern end of Route 137. Route 28 circles through the center of town before exiting and heading north toward Route 6A, joining that route until the roads end at the Orleans Rotary.

Rail service no longer extends to the town; the route is now a portion of one of the several bicycle paths that pass through the town.

The town is the home to the Chatham Municipal Airport, which provides local service to other small airports on the Cape and islands. The nearest national and international air service can be reached at Logan International Airport in Boston.

Demographics

See also: List of Massachusetts locations by per capita income
Historical population
YearPop.±%
18502,439—    
18602,710+11.1%
18702,411−11.0%
18802,250−6.7%
18901,954−13.2%
19001,749−10.5%
19101,564−10.6%
19201,737+11.1%
19301,931+11.2%
19402,136+10.6%
19502,457+15.0%
19603,273+33.2%
19704,554+39.1%
19806,071+33.3%
19906,579+8.4%
20006,625+0.7%
20106,125−7.5%
Chatham Lighthouse, 2007

As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there were 6,625 people, 3,160 households, and 1,886 families residing in the town. The population density was 408.4 people per square mile (157.7/km²). There were 6,743 housing units at an average density of 415.7 per square mile (160.5/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 96.03% White, 1.77% Black or African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.92% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.00% of the population.

During the summer months (generally Memorial Day through Labor Day), the population of the town triples to approximately 20,000, not counting the additional transient tourist population hosted by the town's many hotels, inns, motels, and bed and breakfasts. While the tourist industry is very strong in Chatham, fishing still represents the town's main industry.

There were 3,160 households out of which 15.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 34.7% of all households were made up of individuals and 18.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.52.

In the town the population was spread out with 13.3% under the age of 18, 4.4% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 34.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The local K-12 school system has approximately 700 students, making for average high school grade sizes between 30 and 40 students.

The median income for a household in the town was $45,519, and the median income for a family was $56,750. Males had a median income of $41,064 versus $30,365 for females. The per capita income for the town was $28,594. About 1.9% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government

Chatham is represented in the Massachusetts House of Representatives as a part of the Fourth Barnstable district, which includes (with the exception of Brewster) all the towns east and north of Harwich on the Cape. The town is represented in the Massachusetts Senate as a part of the Cape and Islands District, which includes all of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket except the towns of Bourne, Falmouth, Sandwich, and a portion of Barnstable.[7]

The town is patrolled by the Second (Yarmouth) Barracks of Troop D of the Massachusetts State and the Chatham Police Department. Chatham also provides Chatham Fire Rescue, a 24 hour fully staffed fire department.[8]

On the national level, Chatham is a part of Massachusetts's 10th congressional district and is represented by William R. Keating. The state's senior (Class II) member of the United States Senate, elected in 2012, is Elizabeth Warren. The junior (Class I) senator is Ed Markey.

Chatham is governed by the open town meeting form of government, administered by an elected Board of Selectmen and an appointed Town Manager. The town operates its own police department, which is headquartered in West Chatham, near the Chatham Airport. The main fire department is located in the downtown area, and there is also a branch firehouse in South Chatham. The town has four post offices, all located at various points along Route 28. The town is home to the Eldredge Public Library, named for its benefactor and designed by a student of H. H. Richardson. The town operates several piers, beaches, boat landings and recreation areas throughout town. The nearest hospital is Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis.

Education

Until 2013, Chatham operated its own school system for the town's 700 students. The Chatham Elementary School served students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, the Chatham Middle School served students from fifth through eighth grade, and Chatham High School served grades nine through twelve. Chatham's athletics teams were known as the Blue Devils, and wore blue and white. In December 2010, Chatham and the neighboring town of Harwich voted to regionalize their school systems into the Monomoy Regional school system. The Monomoy teams are known as the Sharks and their colors are navy blue and sliver. In March 2013, construction began in Harwich on a new high school to serve the region, expected to open in 2014. High school students may attend Cape Cod Regional Technical School in Harwich free of charge. Other private schools are located in nearby Brewster and Harwich.

Notable residents

Gallery

  • The Atwood House
    The Atwood House
  • Chatham Lights
    Chatham Lights
  • Chatham Light
    Chatham Light
  • Old Linden Tree (April 2012)
    Old Linden Tree (April 2012)
  • Seals in Chatham Harbor
    Seals in Chatham Harbor
  • Cross Trees
    Cross Trees
  • File:Tiger lilies small.jpg

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Smith, William C. (1909). A history of Chatham, Massachusetts; formerly the Constablewick or Village of Monomoit; with maps and illustrations and numerous genealogical notes. Hyannis, MA: F.B. & F.P. Goss. OL 14012476M. Retrieved 2013-10-13.
  2. ^ a b "Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Chatham town, Barnstable County, Massachusetts". U.S. Census Bureau, American Factfinder. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
  3. ^ "WCAI | How We've Grown". Wgbh.org. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  4. ^ "WCAI | Two Cape Cods: Hidden Poverty on the Cape and Islands". Wgbh.org. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  5. ^ Holson, Laura M. (March 5, 2009). "In Winter, Cape Cod Vacations are Quiet and Peaceful". The New York Times.
  6. ^ "Chatham, MA real estate overview". Trulia.com. Retrieved 2013-01-04.
  7. ^ Index of Legislative Representation by City and Town, from Mass.gov
  8. ^ Station D-2, SP Yarmouth
  9. ^ Beth Healy; Casey Ross (April 12, 2010). "Irish bank's ex-CEO sits out crisis on Cape". The Boston Globe. 277 (102). Boston.

External links

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